January 17, 2019

Earlier today, (Jan. 17, 2019) Colorado’s Governor Jared Polis issued an executive order on transportation electrification, his administration’s first major action on energy policy. The executive order will accelerate the ongoing transformation of the vehicle market.

The executive order has several major elements including:

1. Directs the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to propose a Zero Emission Vehicle standard to the state Air Quality Control Commission for possible adoption;

2. Directs that the $70 million that the state will receive from the settlement of the VW emissions cheating scandal be invested entirely to support transportation electrification;

3. Directs the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to develop an electric vehicle policy, and plan to assure that state transportation investments support electrification; and

4. Create an interdepartmental transportation electrification work group, to develop, coordinate and implement state programs and strategies to support widespread transportation electrification across the state.

Howard Geller, Executive Director of the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) said, “This executive order is a significant commitment by the new governor to support forward thinking policies that will advance the adoption of electric vehicles, saving Colorado residents money at the fuel pump and helping to lower electric rates, all while making our air cleaner and lowering carbon pollution. SWEEP congratulates Governor Polis for this bold action.”

Matt Frommer, Senior Transportation Associate at SWEEP, said that, “SWEEP has been actively advocating for all of the policies in the executive order on electric vehicles. Colorado also needs action by the legislature to extend electric vehicle tax credits, enable utility investment in EV infrastructure, and create incentives for EVs in high occupancy vehicle and toll lanes. SWEEP looks forward to working with the Polis administration and the legislature to ensure that all of Colorado benefits from a rapid transition to electric vehicles.”